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Accused dental assistant was not licensed

A local dental assistant charged with sexual battery on a 17-year-old patient who was under anesthesia did not have a license, Team 10 learned.

A spokesperson from the state's Department of Consumer Affairs told Team 10 that 36-year-old Luis Ramos did not need one.

Ramos is charged with seven counts of sexual battery involving the teen patient at the Park Boulevard Oral Surgery and Implant Center in University Heights. Because he didn't perform certain procedures that require a license, a spokesperson for the Department of Consumer Affairs said there was no reason for an investigation on their end.

However, San Diego police arrested Ramos last week and are investigating the Jan. 21 incident, which was captured on video surveillance. The video allegedly shows Ramos groping the young woman's breasts and placing his mouth on them repeatedly. The criminal complaint says it was "for the purpose of sexual arousal, sexual gratification and sexual abuse."

Ramos pleaded not guilty to the charges last week. He faces up to 10 years in prison if he is convicted.

Team 10 did an online background search of Ramos which showed he was in the Army for nearly a decade, stationed at both Fort Hood and Fort Sill at various times.

The public records also show that from 2001 through 2003, Ramos was a licensed security guard in California.

The records show he sometimes uses the last name Morales.

Upon learning from a police detective about the allegations last week, the clinic suspended Ramos without pay pending resolution of the criminal case, general manager Chasity Daniel said.

Ramos had been employed by the surgical center since September 2013.

"He came highly recommended in the industry ... (and) had a stellar resume," Daniel said.